Friday, May 12, 2017

The "Tapes" Threat

This may be so obvious it needs no explanation -- but allow me to explain. This tweet puts on notice anyone who has a conversation with the POTUS that whatever they say MAY be recorded and selectively "leaked" for the purpose of blackmail, extortion and/or intimidation.

That should be an effective strategy for ensuring candid, confidential communication and advice. Mitch McConnell and Paul Ryan may be too stupid to realize the implications or too corrupt to care but there is no putting this genie back in the bottle.

3 comments:

It may be a way to get confidential advice, but not candid. Seems to me people would be reluctant to say anything that wasn't carefully couched if they assume it's being recorded and might be exposed in a spiteful manner.

I was being sarcastic about it being an effective strategy. Mr. Trump forfeited any residual basis of trust that could have been left from prestige of the "office." Not that it wasn't previously obvious. But an official statement of untrustworthiness is rare. Perhaps he should get his lawyer to write a certified letter confirming his trustworthiness "with some exceptions."